Influence of Induced Magnetic Field on Micropolar Magnetohydrodynamic Flow Over a Non-linear Stretching Sheet under Inclined Magnetic Field
R.A. Mutegi *
Department of Physical Sciences, Chuka University, P.O. Box 109-60400, Chuka, Kenya.
M.O. Okongo
Department of Physical Sciences, Chuka University, P.O. Box 109-60400, Chuka, Kenya.
J. Ochwach
Department of Computing and Information Technology, Mama Ngina University College, P.O. Box 444-0310, Gatundu, Kenya.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This research explores the effects of an induced magnetic field on unsteady flow of a micropolar magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) fluid flow over a nonlinearly stretching surface exposed to an inclined magnetic field. The mathematical model is developed based on Eringen’s micropolar fluid theory and incorporates magnetic induction. Through similarity transformations, the governing partial differential equations are transformed into nonlinear ordinary differential equations and further converted into a system of first-order differential equations and solved numerically using the collocation method in MATLAB. The findings, illustrated through graphical representations and tabular form, examine how variations in the magnetic parameter (M), magnetic Prandtl number (Prm), and Reynolds number (Re) influence the velocity, microrotation, and the induced magnetic field profiles. In addition, their effects on the skin friction coefficient are determined. The results reveal that increasing M enhances the Lorentz force, which resists the fluid flow, resulting in decreased velocity and a slight weakening of the induced magnetic field. The microrotation is amplified as linear motion is increasingly resisted. A rise in Prm significantly strengthens the induced magnetic field by limiting its diffusion and thins the thermal boundary layer, leading to increased fluid velocity. Higher Re promotes inertial dominance in the flow, increasing fluid velocity and induced magnetic field strength. It is also observed that the skin friction coefficient increases with an increase in the magnetic Prandtl number and Reynolds number but decreases with increase in magnetic parameter. These findings are in agreement with previously related work done, and they have practical implications in MHD generator design, magnetic drug targeting, and thermal control systems.
Keywords: Micropolar fluid, magnetohydrodynamics, induced magnetic field, nonlinear stretching sheet, magnetic Prandtl number, Reynolds number